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The festival describes itself as ‘a celebration of independent film from across the world, created as an outlet to support and champion short filmmaking’. It promises to offer intriguing, inventive, high-quality films that make a refreshing change from your everyday Hollywood blockbuster.
Aesthetic itself is an arts magazine, whose film section is dedicated to promote independent film and other film events.
The Yorker spoke to festival director Cherie Federico about her thoughts on the upcoming festival.
Why would you encourage people to come along and experience the festival?
That’s a really great question with several answers! Firstly, ASFF is the first international short film festival to take place in the city of York. ASFF is a celebration of independent film from across the world, showcasing more than 150 films from 30 countries – giving people the opportunity to see up and coming directors in the early stage of their careers. Festival Pass Holders can see as many or as few films as they like and there’s a range of genres: Comedy, Drama, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Experimental and Art. To be honest with you, there really is something for everyone at ASFF. Whether you want to watch a short film featuring Stephen Fry, attend a master class with a Turner nominated artist, or quiz our filmmakers at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall event!
Some of the venues, such as the Merchant Adventure’s Hall and Mansion House, are exotic and unlikely settings for film screenings. What inspired the choice of such locations?
Our venues are what make ASFF different. We are spread our across the entire city so visitors can enjoy watching films, but they also get to explore a new city and find out about its heritage and culture. Mansion House is a great example, it’s one of only two Mayoral residences left in the country and is not often open to the public. This, for me, creates a really exciting prospect – watching new films (a contemporary art form) but in a Medieval Hall – it’s just a fantastic way to experience the shorts!
How impressed were you by the quality of the films?
Well, we received over 1000 entries to the Aesthetica Short Film Competition from 37 countries. I was delighted by the quality of the films we received and difficult doesn’t even begin to describe the sheer amount of deliberation and consideration that went into selecting this year’s program. The festival is really about showcasing films that have a captivating narrative alongside beautiful cinematography and this year’s selection really is mesmerising.
The festival is of course focused on short films rather than feature length films. What would you say are the merits of short films as an art form?
A great short film has to capture the imagination in less than 30 minutes; this is a completely different skill to working with a large team on a big-budget feature production. Short film is a fantastic form because it’s the ultimate test for the filmmaker – can they tell a complete narrative in this timescale and still engage the audience? Can the short film still leave a lasting resonance?
Another reason we chose to work with short film is because many of our directors will go on to make features that we’ll all know and love in the future. To be working with filmmakers at this stage in their careers is a great thing.
What advice would you give to any filmmaking enthusiasts?
The festival contains a selection of workshops and master classes for those looking to expand their knowledge of filmmaking. Here’s a brief highlight:
- Ivana Mackinnon, Associate Producer of Slumdog Millionaire, on the move from shorts to features
- Renowned character designer Alex Williams on creating memorable animated characters
- Claudette Godfrey of SXSW on programming shorts for festivals advice on getting into festivals
- Mark Herman, screenwriter of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
- Rebecca Brand of Women in Film & TV on the role of women in the industry
- Turner Prize nominated Catherine Yass on Artists’ Film
- A Chat with Susie Wright offering advice for pitching to Channel 4.
- For further information on all of the masterclasses, please visit: http://www.asff.co.uk/tickets.htm
To keep up to date on festival progress, follow The Yorker’s daily blog. To find out more about the festival, and to book tickets for it, visit www.asff.co.uk
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